Pen Green is an integrated early years provision for children and their families. We currently offer nursery, early years and children’s centre services across a range of thoughtful spaces designed to best support children’s learning and emotional well-being.
The team at Pen Green Centre share a vision that respects each child’s right to be viewed as an independent and autonomous individual. Our philosophy has been greatly influenced by the work of a number of innovative thinkers in the early years field.
Loris Malaguzzi’s image of the child as ‘rich in potential, strong, powerful and competent’
Chris Athey’s work on schemas
Ferre Laevers tools for assessing well-being and involvement
Bowlby’s insight into attachment theory
Colwyn Trevarthen’s ‘window into companionship’
We have also been inspired by practice we have seen during overseas visits:
The work of Reggio Emilia in Italy
The Te Whariki curriculum framework used in New Zealand
The use of outdoor pedagogical spaces in Australia and Denmark
These theoretical underpinnings continue to influence our ways of working and engaging with children and families, extending into the design and architecture of spaces across the centre.
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